A proactive world-class agency building a disaster resilient nation.

Jamaica
Joined December 2009
REMEMBERING HURRICANE MELISSA: FROM THE ODPEM ARCHIVES On this day October 27, 2025 As Hurricane Melissa intensified ahead of its forecast landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, the Government mobilized resources, while the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) coordinated national preparedness and emergency response efforts to protect lives and property. During a special press briefing at the ODPEM, Jamaicans were urged to remain vigilant, take the necessary precautions and prepare for the potential impacts of the approaching hurricane. As we revisit this critical moment in Jamaica’s history, we are reminded that early preparation, timely information and coordinated action are essential to reducing disaster risks and safeguarding lives. Preparedness saves lives. Stay ready, Jamaica! #HurricaneMelissa #ODPEMArchives #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterPreparedness #ODPEM
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Remembering Hurricane Melissa – From the ODPEM Archives On this day, October 27, 2025 Senator the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon appeared on BBC News to share the Government’s plans and preparations as Hurricane Melissa continued to threaten Jamaica. As the island braced for the impact of Hurricane Melissa, the update highlighted the importance of preparedness, staying informed and prioritizing safety. #HurricaneMelissa #FromTheODPEMArchives #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterPreparedness #ODPEM
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REMEMBERING HURRICANE MELISSA: FROM THE ODPEM ARCHIVES 📍 ON THIS DAY | OCTOBER 27, 2025 As Hurricane Melissa intensified from a Category 4 into a Category 5 hurricane, Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness addressed the nation, outlining the potential impacts of the storm and the Government’s measures to protect lives and property. With Jamaica facing the threat of destructive winds, heavy rainfall and flooding, Jamaicans were urged to take the necessary precautions, comply with evacuation orders and prioritise their safety. As we reflect on this critical moment in our nation’s history, we are reminded that preparedness, community support and collective action are essential to building a more disaster-resilient Jamaica. #HurricaneMelissa #FromTheODPEMArchives #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterPreparedness #ODPEM
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Remembering Hurricane Melissa: From the ODPEM Archives On this day October 26, 2025 As Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) urged persons living in vulnerable areas to comply with mandatory evacuation orders and move to safer locations. The Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, reinforced the call for residents to evacuate, reminding them to seek shelter in a safe place. Do not gamble with your life. Your safety comes first! When evacuation orders are issued, take them seriously. It is always better to be safe than sorry. #RememberingHurricaneMelissa #FromTheODPEMArchives #HurricaneMelissa #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares #StaySafeJA
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Protecting children starts before disaster strikes. On #DRRDay, UNICEF & @odpem, with @EUinJamaica’s support, engaged with stakeholders to validate the revised Guidelines for Child-Friendly Disaster Management & Response to help strengthen child-centred approaches #ForEveryChild.
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Remembering Hurricane Melissa: From the ODPEM Archives On this Day, October 26, 2025 As Hurricane Melissa intensified, Jamaica remained under a Hurricane Warning, with the nation bracing for potentially catastrophic impacts. During a special briefing, Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, outlined the potential impacts of the approaching hurricane, using impact-based forecasting to highlight the risks facing communities across the island. These included torrential rainfall, catastrophic flooding, landslides, destructive winds, and storm surges. The forecast also warned of the potential destruction of homes, roofs being torn off, and trees and power lines being brought down. Through the ODPEM Archives, we reflect on the critical forecasts, warnings and preparedness efforts that informed Jamaica’s response to Hurricane Melissa. Remember the warnings. Respect the risks. Be prepared. #RememberingHurricaneMelissa #ODPEMArchives #HurricanePreparedness #JamaicaPrepares
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Remembering Hurricane Melissa: From the ODPEM Archives 🌪️🇯🇲 As Hurricane Melissa approached Jamaica, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) reinforced its call for persons living in vulnerable areas to comply with mandatory evacuation orders. The Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, also urged residents to evacuate, reminding them that transportation assistance was available for those who needed it. Do not gamble with your life. Your safety comes first! #RememberingHurricaneMelissa #FromTheODPEMArchives #HurricaneMelissa #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares #StaySafeJA
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🇯🇲 Day 2 at the Home, Health & Garden Expo! The ODPEM team was on the ground at the National Arena, engaging with patrons and sharing valuable information on disaster preparedness. Together, we continue to promote safer homes, prepared families and a more disaster-resilient Jamaica! #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterPreparedness
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REMEMBERING HURRICANE MELISSA | FROM THE ODPEM ARCHIVES As Hurricane Melissa intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 1 hurricane, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), which at the time reported to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development (MLGCD), activated the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to coordinate Jamaica’s national preparedness and response efforts. All Parish Emergency Operations Centres and emergency shelters were also activated, while members of the National Response Team prepared to respond to incidents within their respective areas of responsibility. Ahead of the hurricane’s impact, the Honourable Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, visited the NEOC to assess the state of the nation’s preparedness and review the measures in place to support an effective response. Through coordination, preparedness and timely action, we continue to work towards a safer, more disaster-resilient Jamaica. #HurricaneMelissa #FromTheODPEMArchives #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares
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🇯🇲 Remembering Hurricane Sandy On October 24, 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall in Jamaica, bringing destructive winds, heavy rainfall and flooding. As we reflect on the impact, we honour the lives affected and reaffirm our commitment to disaster preparedness and building a more resilient Jamaica. Remember. Reflect. Prepare. #RememberingSandy #DisasterPreparedness #ResilienceStartsAtHome #ODPEM
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The ODPEM IS LIVE! 🇯🇲 We’re at the Home, Health & Garden Expo at the National Arena! Stop by the ODPEM booth to learn more about disaster preparedness and how you can take steps to protect your home, family and community. Let’s continue building a safer, more disaster-resilient Jamaica! 💪🏾🇯🇲 #ODPEM #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterPreparedness #ResilienceStartsAtHome
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Remembering Hurricane Melissa: From The ODPEM ARCHIVES ON THIS DAY | OCTOBER 24, 2025 As Jamaica monitored the approach of Tropical Storm Melissa, a special press briefing was held to update the nation on the Government’s response and preparedness efforts. During the briefing, the Government announced that the Constituency Disaster Preparedness Allocation would be doubled from $200 million to $400 million to strengthen readiness efforts across the island. These included drain cleaning, clearing blocked waterways and preparing for heavy rainfall and possible flooding. The briefing underscored the importance of decisive action, early preparation and public awareness as Jamaica braced for the approaching storm. Preparedness saves lives. Stay informed, stay alert and stay ready, Jamaica! #OnThisDay #HurricaneMelissa #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterPreparedness #ODPEM #StayReadyJA
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Remembering Melissa: From The ODPEM Archives ON THIS DAY | OCTOBER 24, 2025 As Tropical Storm Melissa intensified, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), alongside several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), provided comprehensive updates on the status of their preparations ahead of the approaching storm. The updates highlighted ongoing readiness efforts, response plans and coordinated actions to strengthen Jamaica’s preparedness for the potential impacts of the weather system. This collaboration underscored the importance of a coordinated national response, proactive planning and timely information-sharing to safeguard lives and protect communities. Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Stay informed, stay alert and stay ready, Jamaica! #OnThisDay #HurricaneMelissa #JamaicaPrepares #DisasterPreparedness #ODPEM #StayReadyJA
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Stay alert. Stay safe. Be flood-ready! Flooding can happen quickly. Know your evacuation routes, avoid flooded roadways and waterways, secure important documents, and stay informed through official weather updates. Your safety matters! #FloodSafety #JamaicaPrepares #ODPEM #StayReadyJA
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